The overall objective of this project is to contribute to the reduction of vulnerability to natural risks in rural settlements and poor urban communities in disaster-prone areas of Iran. It also aims to develop a safer, modern and sustainable built environment. The project has received the support of, and is co-financed by the European Union.The specific objective of the project is to reinforce the capacities of local organisations, communities as well as professionals in the building sector to develop strategy and knowledge to reduce the vulnerability of the built environment, improve housing conditions, and facilitate the participatory rehabilitation of the historic district of Ardakan.

DescriptionThe project will develop complementary activities to demonstrate how local materials can contribute to poverty and risk reduction in Ardakan. Activities will include:

survey and collection of data,

capacity-building workshops,

training and training of trainers,

information and sensitisation campaign,

website,

publications and documentation on technical, social and methodological aspects,

curricula development.

Results

The Tabayi house restoration, 2010An old house located within the Ardakan historic centre was restored in July 2010. The project served as a platform to exchange experiences amongst various technicians, conservators and masons. 14 working days were spent in the house to reinforce its structure and eliminate all the weak parts which made it extremely vulnerable to earthquakes. 36 people participated in this experience. Apart from professionals, people involved in the Tabayi house restoration included representatives from the Ardakan Municipality, from ICHHTO (Ardakan and Yazd provincial offices) and from Hamyaran.

This structure was selected for its poor state of conservation, its limited size but also because it is a good example of the traditional Ardakan house, and thus a perfect context for a demonstration project. Its owners, financially unable to restore it, discussed with the local community and obtained the agreement to move forward with the restoration process. The intervention not only improved the housing conditions for the family, it also reduced its vulnerability.

This particular intervention was made possible thanks to preliminary works conducted by the project partners and stakeholders in association with the community. It is part of complementary activities that are developed through the project.

The ManualA manual, explaining the details of the works implemented on Tabayi house was prepared in 2010. It is intended to serve as a guide for house owners, technicians and decision makers working in Ardakan Historic district. It presents step by step procedures to treat the most common building pathologies observed in Ardakan.